ROME, Italy – Caroling is part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. To express the joys of Christmas celebration, the Peñafrancia Filipino community held a caroling dancing activity in Rome.

According to them, they can show the spirit of Christmas through this activity.

"We Bicolanos adapted this celebration as the shepherd adoration to the child Jesus through interpretative dance and song,” said Lucy Serrano, chairman of the Commission on Education of Peñafrancia.

Aside from giving fun and joys to Filipino overseas, they said the caroling dancing is part of the tradition and culture that Filipinos bring abroad.

"Nangaroling kami bilang pag-alaala sa ating ka-Paskuhan sa Pilipinas na malayo tayo sa ating bayan pero ‘di dapat kalimutan ang ating tradisyon,” noted Lito delos Santos, one of the Peñafrancia carolers.

The caroling dancing activity of the Peñafrancia Filipino Community is the first event of its kind in Rome. The event was supported by the Department of Tourism.

Viewers praised the caroling dancing performance of the Peñafrancia Filipino Community Caroling. Their native dress also attracted the audience, especially Italians.

“They are preparing well and trying to do their best to meet Filipinos working over here,” remarked Italian viewer Domenico Vicini.

The Peñafrancia Community’s caroling dancing is a project to raise funds for their 2010 calendar activities, including helping children in the Philippines.